Bicycle Mechanics - quill stem question

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lotek
11-20-02, 09:15 AM
with the recent discussion of stuck stems
I got to wondering, do stems with expander
plug have more inherent problems than those
with an expander wedge?
I've got an TTT with plug in my Serotta and
it seems more of a pain to remove than any
of the modolo stems I have that use wedge.

Just curious if anyone has thoughts/experience
here.

Marty

chewa
11-20-02, 09:50 AM
I've found the same thing. I think because if you overtighten a plug type you get a larger surface area gripping and have found them more difficult to remove.
roadbuzz
11-20-02, 09:57 AM
I wonder if plugs create a more complete seal, which impede drying after riding in the rain. Which seems like it could lead to more corrosion in the steerer tube.

Just speculation.

pokey
11-20-02, 09:57 AM
Yep.When you wanna make an adjustment it's almost always necessary to loosen the bolt then find something to whack it with to loosen the plug.
RainmanP
11-20-02, 12:18 PM
It seems like plugs are pretty close to the same diameter of the steerer while wedges are noticably smaller. That may have something to do with it.
pokey
11-20-02, 12:24 PM
Originally posted by RainmanP
It seems like plugs are pretty close to the same diameter of the steerer while wedges are noticably smaller. That may have something to do with it. Nope, it's in how they work. A plug is actually smaller diameter than a wedge and does not interact With the steerer at all.It pulls into the base of the slotted quill and causes the quill to expand against the steerer.Has to be knocked free to free the quill.Take a close look at one and how it works.